In the pre-dawn hours of this morning, the circus came to town.
The Big Apple Circus, along with its cast and crew of 150, moved onto Fullington Farm, on Lyme Road about three miles from the Green.
The public is invited to attend the tent-raising free of charge, when between the hours of 8 and 10 a.m., circus workers will labor to put together and hoist the hundreds of pieces of equipment that form the five-story bigtop tent.
The circus, founded by Paul Binder '63, has been traveling to Hanover for the past twelve years.
This year's performance will be based on the "Carnevale in Venice," showcasing the classic clowns that originated in 16th century Italy.
"Their core performers are very skilled and have a classic background," said Georgia Croft, publicity manager for the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts.
"They are also bringing guest artists -- world-famous circus performers who travel all over the world," she said.
The Hop is presenting the show, which runs from July 19 until July 24.
Tickets range in price from $8.50 to $22.50 and will be on sale at the Hop's Box Office until Saturday.
